75 reviews
Now here is something Michael Bay should be remaking!
Stephen King's sole directorial effort MAXIMUM OVERDRIVE (1986) apparently wasn't silly enough (or didn't bomb hard enough) to kill the will of producers to remake his short story "Trucks" just over a decade later. In this incarnation, folks are held captive by the title beasts in a rustic truck stop run by Ray (Timothy Busfield). This was made-for- TV with a low budget and is decidedly less goofy so one has to wonder, "Why bother?" I mean, outside of the obvious, "We'll put Kings name on it and make a ton of money." The cast of mostly Canadians is fine and the illogical scenes are abound (if machines are turning on you, why is your plan to ride a motorcycle to steal a helicopter from the Army base? ). The funniest bit is a truck using its mirrors to spy on someone and then trying to play it off when someone catches it. And since when do cars with unexplained sentient powers need to see from the driver's viewpoint? There are a few gory and unrelated kill scenes that look like they were added in post-production, seemingly confirmed by an "additional scenes" end credit. Interestingly, they were produced by William (SCARECROWS) Wesley.
One Truck Drivers' Opinion
A Remake with a Purpose
Not scary in the least, but worth it.
If you're looking for a horror movie so bad that you are reduced to laughter, then Trucks is for you. If you're looking for a 'good' movie, you're in the wrong place. Check it out, and pay special attention to my favorite character, the little remote controlled truck - vicious little guy. Think a low budget Maximum Overdrive. It's not well written, well acted or even a well conceived idea, but it's fun if you're looking for a laugh with friends. It's possibly one of the worst movies I've stumbled across at the video store. I enjoy introducing my friends to the wonder that is the ridiculous level of idiocy in this movie. Grab some popcorn and enjoy.
- bulls_eye079
- Nov 16, 2004
- Permalink
REALLY BAD Maximum Overdrive
I guess it's safe to say that "loosely based" is a good thing. What I'm talking about is that, according to Wikipedia, Maximum Overdrive (which is an EXCELLENT movie) was "loosely based" on the short story "Trucks". I don't really know if this story was meant as a remake of MO, but it should have been left in the can and burned. The acting is deplorable, and overall just not worth wasting your time on. For a really good "killer vehicle" movie, take this back to the video store and exchange it for MO...you'll be glad you did. In fact, break the disc on the way there and tell them it was damaged when you got home..that way no one ELSE will make the mistake of renting it.
- sternrulez
- Nov 21, 2007
- Permalink
Pointless remake which contains funniest movie death ever!
Why bother re-making 'Maximum Overdrive'? This is just another of the universe's imponderables, but stick with this movie, your patience will be rewarded with what must be the funniest movie death ever: a gormless mailman is battered to death by a Tonka toy, and the gore sprays like raspberry jam from a doughnut. In the cast is the marvellous Brendan Fletcher, one of the finest actors of his generation, and again the question recurs:WHY WHY WHY?
- williamj-2
- Oct 14, 1999
- Permalink
The worst Stephen King adaptation I've ever seen in my life!
Let me start off by saying this: I love Stephen King! He's one of my all-time favorite writers, and no one else can match his imagination. Now, many of his novels and short stories have been turned into films. Some are great, some are so-so, some are bad, and some are horrifically bad. Unfortunately, this film falls into the latter category. Both this film, and 1986's "Maximum Overdrive" were based on a short story that King had published. Many, many people have claimed that "Maximum Overdrive" is the all-time worst Stephen King adaptation ever made. In my personal opinion however, that's really unfair. Because trust me, you can do a WHOLE lot worse than "Maximum Overdrive". I've seen many Stephen King movies over the years, and I must say: this movie is beyond a shadow of a doubt, the worst one I've ever seen in my life! Worse than "It", worse than "The Tommyknockers", worse than "Sleepwalkers", worse than "Golden years", worse than "Thinner", worse than all those movies combined! If you think that "Maximum Overdrive" is King's worst, then you clearly haven't seen any of the movies I mentioned previously, or this movie. comparing "Maximum Overdrive" to this film, is like comparing a Calzone to a Totino's pizza roll! The reason why "Trucks" fails where "Maximum Overdrive" succeeds, is because "Max" doesn't take itself seriously. The concept is ridiculous, so it just has has fun with it. which is basically what the movie is, a "turn your brain off" fun movie. "Trucks" is about as "fun" as watching paint dry! "Trucks" also plays the concept totally straight. I suppose they were trying to make it scary, but it's not, it's just stupid! Not to mention the fact, that the film lacks everything that made "Max" good. No good actors, no intriguing characters, no awesome soundtrack, and no big bad killer truck! I can only guess what the filmmakers were trying to accomplish with this movie. Maybe they thought "Maximum Overdrive" was a mistake, and were trying to make up for it, but you can't make up for a "mistake", by making a bigger, far worse, one!
- Eightiesjunkie
- May 7, 2015
- Permalink
Only 99% of it SUCKS.
This movie truly sucks! Nothing happened! It was the longest 100 minute movie I've ever seen. But the extremely high level of suck is not completely consistent. There are two hilarious scenes (one involving a remote control truck the other an axe). If you have the misfortune of having rented this piece of crap search through and watch these two scenes for a few laughs.
A waste of time.
Chris Thomson's "Trucks" is loosely based on Stephen King's short story "Trucks".The plot is simple:when a small and remote town is terrorized by trucks without drivers,the local community must try to stay alive at all costs.Many of horror fans probably remember "Maximum Overdrive" by Stephen King.That was extremely cheesy and entertaining film that left me amused.On the other hand,"Trucks" is pretty boring and routine.The acting is mediocre,there is no suspense and the violence is toned down.Timothy Busfield stars as Ray,a man who has a son named Logan.They live in the town and Ray has a thing for Hope(Brenda Bakke).But soon they are all thrown into nightmare,when trucks start killing people.Anyway,I suggest watching "Maximum Overdrive" instead.4 out of 10.A nice cover,though!
- HumanoidOfFlesh
- Aug 24, 2005
- Permalink
Trucks make themselves king of the road and more.
- michaelRokeefe
- Sep 10, 2005
- Permalink
Hilarious movie
The Funniest Movie Ever Made
Wether it was intentional or not i dont think i have laughed this hard in my entire life. I reccomend this movie to anyone having a movie night with friends it will be unforgetable i promise. Every scene in the movie has something so unbeliveably ridiculous i just cant understand why no one likes this movie. If you havent seen Trucks PLEASE WATCH IT you will not regret it. Though trucks is not the godfather it still will entertain you every time you think theres no way this can get dumber it does. I dont think i will ever forget watching this movie for the first time. Un ironically the best movie i have ever seen.
- bruhmansemail
- Feb 17, 2023
- Permalink
I always avoided this film for the obvious reasons...
...it's a 90's re-make (of "Maximum Overdrive" from 1986) that was dumped straight to video in our country and the VHS cover (not shown here) just looked so cheap on the rental shelves, copying the uninspired 'artwork' of many other action fodder rentals at the time. "Trucks" just seemed a waste of time and rental money. I have to admit though, that tagline always made me giggle ("U-Turn, U-Die!")
Years later, when video rental stores just were all too happy getting rid of their old VHS tapes, I just selected me a cheap lot of ex-rentals, and took "Trucks" home with me. And yes, not much later I had this strange urge to watch both "Maximum Overdrive" and "Trucks" back to back. And I'll be damned if this re-make (or re-telling, if you want) wasn't as decent (or poor, you be the judge of that) as the original.
Same crazy plot (cars, trucks and whatnot else type of machinery coming to live) with no real explanation and a bit more background concerning the main characters. Adding even some silly but highly entertaining killings this time (the little toy-truck smashing the head of the mailman; the anti-radioactive protective suit inflating itself, then grabbing an axe and...). The main location in "Trucks" is also a gas station, so it's not like this remake was doing anything worse here. If you liked the original, then you'll also have some fun with this one. It's as simple as that. I can add that the ending is just a little bit different. Although I saw it coming, I liked it more (than the 80's version).
Years later, when video rental stores just were all too happy getting rid of their old VHS tapes, I just selected me a cheap lot of ex-rentals, and took "Trucks" home with me. And yes, not much later I had this strange urge to watch both "Maximum Overdrive" and "Trucks" back to back. And I'll be damned if this re-make (or re-telling, if you want) wasn't as decent (or poor, you be the judge of that) as the original.
Same crazy plot (cars, trucks and whatnot else type of machinery coming to live) with no real explanation and a bit more background concerning the main characters. Adding even some silly but highly entertaining killings this time (the little toy-truck smashing the head of the mailman; the anti-radioactive protective suit inflating itself, then grabbing an axe and...). The main location in "Trucks" is also a gas station, so it's not like this remake was doing anything worse here. If you liked the original, then you'll also have some fun with this one. It's as simple as that. I can add that the ending is just a little bit different. Although I saw it coming, I liked it more (than the 80's version).
- Vomitron_G
- Feb 5, 2010
- Permalink
Believe it or not, this remake's even worse than the original movie
- Leofwine_draca
- Nov 22, 2016
- Permalink
Comedy gold!
This movie is based on a Stephen King short story which surprisingly isn't about a writer in Maine who is stuck for ideas, which is his usual hero. Instead there's some people in a truck stop who get menaced by trucks that come alive. Already you've got a plot that wouldn't look out of place in a Garth Marengi novel.
In the short story there is little explanation as to why the trucks have turned hostile and that kind of works, well it works better than any explanation a rational person could come up with because it's patently a bit silly. Better to just leave it as a mystery hey? So what does the movie do? Delves right in there looking for answers.
Various explanations come up, each more risible than the last. One fat guy thinks the trucks have come alive because of pollution or something, someone else thinks its to do with aliens. What I love best about the explanations is the way the actors look totally shamefaced as they say their lines. They know this is the lowest point in their probably now dead careers.
You've already got one shiny nugget of comedy gold right there even before you factor in the bad acting but wipe it against your sleeve and you'll see it really shines with much more.
A guy gets attacked with the most rubber looking axe in the history of film making. Honestly, I swear I had to watch that bit five times. Another guy gets attacked by a toy truck he could easily drop kick across the street and has to pretend to be knocked over so it can ram him in the head a few times.
This is priceless straight-faced comedy the like of which you rarely see these days. It's so poor it really deserves a 1 but I can't bring myself to give it less than 2 because it made me laugh so much.
If you love bad movies this one needs to be on your shelf. I would love to have seen Stephen Kings face when he first saw this aired.
In the short story there is little explanation as to why the trucks have turned hostile and that kind of works, well it works better than any explanation a rational person could come up with because it's patently a bit silly. Better to just leave it as a mystery hey? So what does the movie do? Delves right in there looking for answers.
Various explanations come up, each more risible than the last. One fat guy thinks the trucks have come alive because of pollution or something, someone else thinks its to do with aliens. What I love best about the explanations is the way the actors look totally shamefaced as they say their lines. They know this is the lowest point in their probably now dead careers.
You've already got one shiny nugget of comedy gold right there even before you factor in the bad acting but wipe it against your sleeve and you'll see it really shines with much more.
A guy gets attacked with the most rubber looking axe in the history of film making. Honestly, I swear I had to watch that bit five times. Another guy gets attacked by a toy truck he could easily drop kick across the street and has to pretend to be knocked over so it can ram him in the head a few times.
This is priceless straight-faced comedy the like of which you rarely see these days. It's so poor it really deserves a 1 but I can't bring myself to give it less than 2 because it made me laugh so much.
If you love bad movies this one needs to be on your shelf. I would love to have seen Stephen Kings face when he first saw this aired.
- sebpopcorn
- Sep 11, 2008
- Permalink
Weak, flaccid King remake
- FiendishDramaturgy
- Sep 1, 2003
- Permalink
Trucks REALLY sucks
Okay, I watched this movie today, and I hated it. It's like someone thought that it was a good idea to take EVERYTHING that was bad about the far superior "Maximum Overdrive", and put it into this movie. It is my opinion that this movie is just one big carbon copy of Stephen King's aforementioned work... Only with a MUCH smaller budget, worse actors, and no AC/DC. Save yourself some time and rent the original.
If you thought Maximum Overdrive was bad...
Say, do you remember that below par Stephen King flick about all machines going mad and killing people that King directed himself-- Maximum Overdrive? Well, take the same basic plot, remove Emilio Estevez from the lead, and King as director, and oh yea, one more thing, attempt to make a silly story into a serious film, and then you'll have Trucks! I wasn't a huge fan of Maximum Overdrive, but at least King redeemed himself by admitting he was merely attempting to make a junk movie for the fun of it. This appeared to be a serious attempt at making the King short story of the same name, Trucks, into something it was never meant to be. The homicidal soda machine and profane ATM provided moments of comic relief in Maximum Overdrive, Trucks however has nothing of this sort.(I doubt it had the budget for these types of special effects) If you catch this gas of a flick on TV just keep on Truckin' to the next channel.
"My dad's not a Redneck, he's from Detroit." Not sure about this one...
- poolandrews
- Oct 24, 2005
- Permalink
Area 51 is no where near Canada. Inventive murders.
This is some low budget Cheese core. Based on the same short story as Maximum Overdrive.
This movie is the poor 2nd cousin of MO. The acting and dialog make you root for the trucks. Its slow quite often so do t be affraid to Fast forward I promise you won't miss anything important as far as dialog or character development.
If your a fan of the genre definately watch it. Its still fun watching trucks try to kill people. The practical effects are decent and only a smidgen of mid 90s CGI.
Im not sure which is best, the RC dump truck scene or , the biohard suit. Both were CHOICE ! Brava. 👏🏻
This movie is the poor 2nd cousin of MO. The acting and dialog make you root for the trucks. Its slow quite often so do t be affraid to Fast forward I promise you won't miss anything important as far as dialog or character development.
If your a fan of the genre definately watch it. Its still fun watching trucks try to kill people. The practical effects are decent and only a smidgen of mid 90s CGI.
Im not sure which is best, the RC dump truck scene or , the biohard suit. Both were CHOICE ! Brava. 👏🏻
- henrybret-77142
- Oct 16, 2020
- Permalink
To Sleep or Not to Sleep? (CONTAINS SPOILERS)
funny
- blacklaetherglove
- Aug 28, 2005
- Permalink
This is the Trucking Original
It's not a remake of Maximum Overdrive, it's an unmake - what that film should have been.
Trucks is based pretty closely on the short story, which is one of King's best in his Nightshift collection.
The action is constant. It never lets up. And for a TV movie, there seems a lot of explosions, or budget in other words. Apart from The Car (1977), or Killdozer (1974), it's a unique movie - well, trinique - being the only films of vehicular possession that I recall. Woops I forgot Christine (1983). Quadnique.
A few times it snaps reality, when, I think, adding ideas King maybe didn't.
It was a relief and pleasure seeing the ideas King developed faithfully appear as the movie progressed, making me remember the story I read ages ago. The acting, especially at-times-terror-stricken Timothy Busfield, and character, is de-fine.
And about the people who can't believe it, or the intriguing and various hard trying attempts at explanation, which added more fun, depth, and reality to the black magic of the story, I think of what Stephen King said when he heard of people who can't believe in these stories:
I feel a kind of sadness.
Now if they just unmake The Mangler in the same way, which was the best story in that book...
Trucks is based pretty closely on the short story, which is one of King's best in his Nightshift collection.
The action is constant. It never lets up. And for a TV movie, there seems a lot of explosions, or budget in other words. Apart from The Car (1977), or Killdozer (1974), it's a unique movie - well, trinique - being the only films of vehicular possession that I recall. Woops I forgot Christine (1983). Quadnique.
A few times it snaps reality, when, I think, adding ideas King maybe didn't.
It was a relief and pleasure seeing the ideas King developed faithfully appear as the movie progressed, making me remember the story I read ages ago. The acting, especially at-times-terror-stricken Timothy Busfield, and character, is de-fine.
And about the people who can't believe it, or the intriguing and various hard trying attempts at explanation, which added more fun, depth, and reality to the black magic of the story, I think of what Stephen King said when he heard of people who can't believe in these stories:
I feel a kind of sadness.
Now if they just unmake The Mangler in the same way, which was the best story in that book...
A made-for-TV version of Maximum Overdrive.
In 1986, Stephen King turned director, adapting his short story 'Trucks' for the cinema; the result was Maximum Overdrive, a hokey horror with lots of silly deaths, an excess of vehicular destruction, a rockin' soundtrack, and a truck that looked like The Green Goblin! The film received negative reviews and was a box-office flop, although I actually found it to be a whole lot of fun.
Trucks is another attempt at bringing King's short story to the screen, this time by director Chris Thomson, and it too is extremely dumb, even more-so at times, with a couple of unbelievably silly killings (try not to laugh at the sight of an inflated unoccupied hazmat suit wielding an axe, or the killer toy truck!); as such, I also found it entertaining.
Sadly, there's no AC/DC blaring over the action, and the film suffers slightly from a noticeable lack of a big green-faced semi-trailer, but it's still worth checking out - especially for the surprisingly good ending.
Trucks is another attempt at bringing King's short story to the screen, this time by director Chris Thomson, and it too is extremely dumb, even more-so at times, with a couple of unbelievably silly killings (try not to laugh at the sight of an inflated unoccupied hazmat suit wielding an axe, or the killer toy truck!); as such, I also found it entertaining.
Sadly, there's no AC/DC blaring over the action, and the film suffers slightly from a noticeable lack of a big green-faced semi-trailer, but it's still worth checking out - especially for the surprisingly good ending.
- BA_Harrison
- Aug 10, 2018
- Permalink
"Just hang on, folks. I repeat, just hang on."
- Bored_Dragon
- Apr 13, 2019
- Permalink